Episode 40: "The Joy of Chocolate with Bonnie Bennett" Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with Bonnie Bennett, co-owner with her husband Tony of the Kakawa Chocolate House in Santa Fe NM. Bonnie and Tony moved to Santa Fe, NM 14+ years ago to craft their next adventure, the "wonders of chocolate." The Kakawa Chocolate House's mission is to introduce people to the long history of chocolate through drinking "elixirs" and offering world class artisan chocolates, ice cream and baked goods locally sourced from the finest ingredients.

Aa a "chocolate sommelier" many days Bonnie is behind the counter, talking chocolate with guests visiting from around the country and the globe. Her love for chocolate is infectious and engaging as she focuses on leading classes, chocolate "immersions'', cacao intention events, corporate adventures and pairings with other local businesses in all their Santa Fe locations and their newer Salem, Massachusetts location.

Bonnie came to chocolate as a second career by way of the Fashion Industry, having a background in Jewelry Design and Merchandising and a long, successful career in NYC.  Bonnie also teaches Nia, a holistic movement practice at BODY of Santa Fe and Studio Nia Santa Fe and volunteers on the board of the International Folk Art Market. In her free moments, you can find her cooking or enjoying a quiet moment with her husband and partner Tony and their two rescue pups, Lucy and Mackenzie.

In this powerful episode, Bonnie shares fascinating insights into how chocolate truly does make you feel good, not just because it's delicious, but also because of cacao's extraordinary effects on the brain. We also discuss how Bonnie creates happiness in her life through her movement practice, Nia, sharing her passions with others, bringing people together, finding gratitude and so much more.